Flint Firebirds announce five-year team presenting sponsorship agreement with Perani’s

By @MichaelCaples –

Today, the Flint Firebirds announced that they will have a significant partnership with Perani’s Hockey World when the puck drops on their inaugural season.

IMS Hockey Corporation (the team’s ownership) announced today that they have entered into a five-year partnership with Flint-based Perani’s Hockey World that makes the equipment retailer the presenting sponsor of the OHL’s Flint Firebirds.

The partnership will include “substantial collateral, digital and in-arena co-branding initiatives, as well as a mix of innovative and interactive components designed to enhance the overall fan experience.

“We could not have a better team presenting partner than Perani’s Hockey World,” said Costa Papista, Flint Firebirds team president. “The Perani name is synonymous with hockey locally and across the country. The company and family members understand the hockey business and the magnitude of the OHL project for Flint and Genesee County. This strategic partnership will allow us to professionally and aggressively market and promote the Flint Firebirds franchise for our first five seasons. This will be critical to establish loyalty and brand awareness.”

Perani’s, started by the late Bob Perani in 1976, has 21 locations across the country, along with three in Canada.

“I am excited about our partnership with the Flint Firebirds and continuing the legacy that Bob Perani helped start, growing hockey in and around Flint,” said Kevin Ward, President of Perani’s Hockey World. “It is exciting to get an OHL team in Flint and I look forward to watching world class hockey in the Dort Federal Event Center. Perani’s Hockey World is proud to partner with such a first class organization and I look forward to growing the great game in this loyal hockey community. Becoming the Firebirds presenting sponsor continues Bob Perani’s legacy of supporting hockey in Flint.”